Date of Award

January 2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Aviation

First Advisor

Mark Dusenbury

Abstract

A remote pilot training program, part of an sUAS course, were studied to determine the effectiveness and portability of the training curriculum. Students in a university unmanned aircraft systems course were the subjects, and multiple data points were collected over the 15 week program. No differences were found in student performance on the metrics used to assess the students regardless of who the students had as a flight instructor. Males scored higher than females on prior flight experience upon entering the course; however, neither gender nor prior aviation experience were significant contributing factors in student success either academically (written tests) or based on skills training (flying aircraft). Some gender bias may exist in the assessment tools used in class. A strong association was found between academic success and skill success. There was no association between flight skill and success on the FAA Part 107 remote pilot exam. There was some evidence to suggest that the course’s second test, which is modeled after the remote pilot exam, may be a predictor of success on the FAA Part 107 exam. Findings from the study support offering this course to a wide range of students and that pre-requisites are not necessary for student success.

Download

Share

COinS